The Kingfisher Cafe At Castle Espie

Cold rainy day so the coffee shop was vert appealing. Staff on counter were very pleasant. Coffee ok but a trifle weak but that may be just a personal preference.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch of cheese and pickle toasties and tea for two while overlooking the ponds with Strangford Lough in the background. However, due to a current bird flu epidemic, the ducks are temporarily confined to an enclosure to prevent them from mixing with local wild birds.

My husband wanted to treat me to breakfast at this cafe, but I wish he hadn't. The cafe has a lovely ambience and a great view of the duck pond. We asked for poached eggs, but the chef didn't make them, so I settled for scrambled eggs. After a long wait, we were informed that they were out of eggs, so I ended up ordering a sausage toastie. When our food finally arrived after another 10-15 minute wait, it was not worth the wait. The sausages were overcooked and tasted reheated, the side salad consisted of two wilted lettuce leaves with black spots and a questionable tomato slice. It was a disappointing experience and not worth the money. I suggest avoiding this cafe altogether.

I don't usually write reviews, but I had such a disappointing experience at this cafe that I felt compelled to share. Despite advertising chai and oat milk, they were out of both in the morning and failed to apologize. The ordinary latte and almond milk latte I ordered were poorly made and tasted subpar. The radio was excessively loud, and staff were too busy to lower the volume even though there were only a few customers present. To top it off, there was food smeared on the upholstery in one of the booths. I will not be returning, although the view of the bird sanctuary was pleasant.

Had friends up from Dublin so went for a walk planned on having coffee a catch up. The staff serving us were so rude. It was as if we were putting them out by being there. We were told the kitchen wasn't open as the staff deserved their break when we asked to order food. When my friend asked for chocolate on her cappuccino she was told she'd already been offered it if she'd been listening. Not a nice way to spend a sunday morning. Drank our coffee left!!!!